Winter is Here: Stay Safe Out There

Winter can affect many areas of the country, leaving snow and ice on the ground and creating slippery conditions. Cold, ice, or snow cover does not stop utility crews from performing line work. The damage from ice and snowstorms increases the workload and urgency to finish repairs. It also brings in new crews, who work long hours, to help restore power and repair damage from broken poles, downed wires, and fallen trees. The following outlines what utility companies and their line crews must remember when it comes to operating in ice and snow.

Know how to operate on slippery surfaces.

Winter conditions create slippery surfaces to work on and normal traction is greatly reduced. Just as you need to maintain traction to walk and drive, it is required to keep digger derricks and bucket trucks in a stable position. Operators must be aware that driving and setting up the machines for operation will require special care to prevent unintended movement. Rotating and moving the booms may cause the truck to jerk and move. If the unit is not set up securely the truck can slide on ice and snow while operating. Failure to set up and maintain stability while booms are in use can cause overturning or movement which can lead to injury or death.

Perform Safe Work Practices

In any season – rain or snow, do not jeopardize your safety bypassing safe work practices. Safe work practices are even more important to follow when the crews are cold and tired. Your injury, death, or equipment damage is not worth the time saved taking short cuts or rushing to complete the work. When planning your work remember that driving to the work site in snowy conditions causes snow, dust, ice, and loose sand to be deposited on all surfaces. The outriggers and outrigger pads will get snow covered and slippery. Also, as you put pressure on snow, the snow will pack down and turn to ice.

Properly Set Up our Equipment

The person setting the unit up for operation has the entire responsibility for a stable position. The person on the site is the only one who can evaluate the conditions and terrain for safe operation. Remember to evaluate the terrain to determine the flattest and level set up position. Proper set up requires removing excess snow and ice to bare ground under the outriggers so that they do not slide on the ground during use. Parking brakes should be set, and chock the wheels as required to prevent movement downhill or when rotating. Make sure the chocks are set correctly to prevent the truck from pivoting around one chock. As always – follow the operators manual for complete set up instructions.

Know the Operating Temperature Range

The ambient operating temperature range of Terex bucket trucks and digger derricks is shown on the ID plate. Remember that operation at the extremes of the temperature range requires extra precautions. Cold weather operation requires that the hydraulic system be filled with hydraulic fluid having a pour point suitable for the temperature.

Prior to operating, the hydraulic system must be properly warmed up. To do so, operate the pump at idling speed to allow the oil to warm up gradually. Cold, thick, sluggish oil may not move fast enough and will starve the pump, thus causing severe damage. Circulate the oil through the outrigger system by cycling each outrigger several times before setting up for boom operation. Then, circulate the oil through the system by cycling each function from the lower controls before operation from the platform. Keep in mind that the addition of oil heaters may be required. As you operate the boom and functions, do so slowly to prevent jerking and shock loading. Remember that the functions may operate sluggish and not be as responsive, so allow more time and distance when starting and stopping movements.